Congressman Sorensen Begins Agriculture Committee Markup by Advocating for Illinois Farmers

WASHINGTON, DC - Representative Eric Sorensen (IL-17) laid out the challenges facing Illinois' farmers and outlined his concerns with Republicans' proposed legislation during his opening remarks at the House Agriculture Committee's Farm markup of H.R. 7567, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026-the latest version of the farm bill. This week, Rep. Sorensen will be fighting for a farm bill that makes significant investments to revive food systems, restore domestic markets, and give American farmers the ability to compete on the global stage.

"This week, we have a chance to amend Republicans' Farm Bill. Our farmers and small hometowns shouldn't be asked to accept the bare minimum. And funding that isn't even adjusted for inflation gives us no certainty. My neighbors deserve better than what is being offered today. I'm ready to pass a bill that does real good-it's up to Republicans to do right by our farmers and meet in the middle," said Rep. Eric Sorensen.

Watch his full opening remarks hereand read a full transcript below:

649 days

The majority had 649 days to invite us to the table to work together to effectively respond to a farm economy that no longer resembles the one we had the last time this bill was before us.

And I am thankful that I've always had farmers and ag stakeholders by my side. In 2023 they helped me get to a yes because the majority worked with me on the important things I needed to provide for the people in my district.

But this is different today.

Because farm bankruptcies went up 46% just last year alone.

Input prices are at levels never seen before. And American farmers are losing billions because of a global trade war.

And today, their voices are not being heard by this committee.

And no matter what your politics are, the statistics don't lie. Fewer than half of farms today will be profitable this year.

Instead of creating good policy?

The administration doubled down on trickle-down economics that give tax cuts to the ultra-wealthy in the hopes that something will trickle down to Middle America.

You may be surprised to learn that the number one driver of the economy in Illinois is not what happens in Cook County, it's what happens in Carroll County and Fulton County and McDonough County: it's agriculture.

It's why I am so proud to be one of five Members of this committee and sitting next to my sister from downstate Illinois, Congresswoman Budzinski. We have five fighters from Illinois on this committee, and we fight for the hard working, humble people who want an honest, fulfilling life.

People like Tom Mueller, a corn and bean farmer from Taylor Ridge, who has been farming for more than half a century. He told me that the cost of fertilizer and seed has skyrocketed while the sale price for his crops has plummeted. Export markets continue to shrink and access to conservation and research is out of reach. And he fears for farmers like him who will go out of business.

Down the road in Illinois City, Phil Phur is also feeling the pinch. His costs aren't just unaffordable at the gas pump and the grocery store. He's now paying through the roof for nitrogen and phosphorus and needs policy that will expand the market for what he grows. He's a big supporter-as I am-of year-round E-15. And he doesn't want a handout.

I listened to my local farmers just today and they understand this is not a perfect bill.

But I say why can't it be a perfect bill? I fought for years for better crop insurance and appreciate the expanded loan caps for producers that's in this bill.

But why aren't we restoring and expanding domestic markets by providing mandatory funding for local food procurement or allowing year-round E-15?

Instead of finding solutions here, we are shoving an incredible burden onto the states to ensure our vulnerable neighbors can eat.

Where's the meaningful direct funding for conservation programs like EQIP that provide essential service to our farmers?

Trump's trade war has destroyed international markets. Where's the policy that will restore and increase the markets for our farmers?

Funding levels in this bill don't even account for inflation. Paired with FSA and NRCS cuts, these programs are going to struggle to succeed. It's like saying to a farmer that the 2018 Farm Bill has enough funding for what you need today in 2026. It only gives the illusion of certainty. And it certainly will not be enough as this farm bill ages five years.

Our farmers and agribusinesses should not have to accept just the minimum.

64,000 families in my district now have to find food through SNAP. The folks at Save-A-Lot on West State Street in Rockford tell me that if people lose their SNAP, they may not be able to stay in business-they're going to create a food desert in the area.

Additionally, our farmers are going to lose $30 billion in SNAP revenue.

Our farmers and farm towns deserve better.

This mark-up gives us a chance to amend this bill and save farmers from losing their livelihood.

Let's include the amendments that will do real good…not a second rate, lackluster hope of something that will trickle down to Middle America or a struggling parent.

We must provide significant investments to revive our food systems, restore and strengthen domestic markets, and make agriculture of America a force to be reckoned with on the global stage again.

We are so much better than this bill and I look forward to a great mark-up and debate.

Thank you and I yield back.

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